To get the word out on Shared Worlds, a unique two-week SF/Fantasy writing camp for teens, Wofford College has hosted a fantastical bestiary–original imaginary animals created by a mix of some of the best writers out there. Go check it out. This is a very generous contribution by the writers, and the students will not only draw some of the beasts, they’ll also riff off of the descriptions.

Here’s more info on the camp, for which I am the asistant director. I can tell you in all honesty that working on Shared Worlds has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life, and it’s a wonderful, structured, secure way for teens to express themselves, learn new things, and make great new friends. Not only that, the students get one-on-one sessions to discuss their writing, writing labs, workshops, field trips, detailed and constructive critiques of their fiction, and much more.

Wofford College provides tremendous support and infrastructure, making Shared Worlds unique–it is the place to send your kid. Register! Slots are still available.

Here’s the official description. I serve as the assistant director.

Shared Worlds is a summer think tank at Wofford College for teenagers who have an interest in fantasy and science fiction literature. For two weeks, students create imaginary worlds and write fiction under the guidance of writers and professors. The instructors for 2010 will include Spiderwick Chronicles creator Holly Black, critically acclaimed YA and adult authors Kathe Koja and Marly Youmans, Nebula Award winner Michael Bishop, writer and gaming expert Will Hindmarch, and World Fantasy Award winner Jeff VanderMeer. Artist Scott Eagle will also conduct a workshop during the camp. Register online today!

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“Can I play too?” You know, this reminds me of the days when I watched the older kids playing D&D, desperate to join in the collective fantasy fun. Except now, I’m on the other end of the age gap, envious of high school students! That’s great stuff, man.

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About Jeff VanderMeer

Photo by Kyle Cassidy

Jeff VanderMeer's most recent fiction is the NYT-bestselling Southern Reach trilogy (Annihilation, Authority, and Acceptance), released in 2014 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Foreign rights have sold in 17 countries and the movie rights have been acquired by Paramount Pictures/Scott Rudin Productions. His latest nonfiction books include Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction (Abrams Image). His nonfiction has appeared in the New York Times, the Guardian, the Washington Post, Atlantic.com, Vulture.com, and the Los Angeles Times. VanderMeer recently taught at the Yale Writers’ Conference and has lectured at MIT and the Library of Congress. You can contact him at pressinfo at vandermeercreative.com. (Author photo by Kyle Cassidy.) More...